The Final Heisman Update.

Before we get started, I made a mistake. I said earlier that I had had Troy Smith #1 on my Heisman list the whole season. Well, I just checked all my Heisman post and was shocked to find out that in Week 4 I had Adrian Peterson ranked #1 and Smith #2. It’s not a big deal, if you look at the stats, Peterson deserved it, but I was pretty sure I had Smith #1 the whole time, oh well.

At 7:55 PM, one of Troy Smith’s biggest dreams came through. He was awarded the 2006 Heisman Memorial Trophy. He deserved it, after the season that he had, it was hard to argue that he shouldn’t have received it. But the most important stat that you won’t see in the stat books, the one stat that won him the most highley regarded award in all of College Football, was his leadership. When Jim Tressell needed someone to step up, Troy was there, whenever The Ohio State needed a score, Troy was leading them.

I have been watching the Heisman presentation for many years now and never have I heard a speach quite like Troy’s. I mean Reggie’s last year was outstanding, when he was talking about his step dad, brought a little tear to my eye. But Troy’s was great. I have never heard some one give most of the credit to his offensive line, he even named all of them.(Unlike MeShawn) Troy Smith is a senior and in April he will be going to New York once again for the NFL Draft. Right now he’s projected to be late first or an early second round pick. I pretty much agree with that, but I think he will be a very good pro, he will probably be a slash player kind of like Kordell Stewart and Antwan Randel El. But eventually he could be a starting quarterback, hopefully.

The votes, like I thought, weren’t even close. Troy broke the record previously held by last year’s winner, Reggie Bush, with 86.7% percent of the first place votes. Also his total point value(2,540) ranked third all-time. Only behind a couple of Trojans, O.J. Simpson( 2,853) and Reggie Bush(2,541).

Final votes:

1. Troy Smith QB(OSU) 1st-801, 2nd- 62, 3rd-13, Total- 2540

2. Darren McFadden RB(ARK) 1st- 45, 2nd- 298, 3rd- 147, Total- 878

3. Brady Quinn QB(ND) 1st- 13, 2nd- 276, 3rd- 191, Total-782

4. Steve Slaton RB(WVU) 1st- 6 2nd- 51 3rd- 94, Total- 214

5. Mike Hart RB(MICH) 1st- 5, 2nd- 58, 3rd- 79, Total- 210

Updated Heisman Picture

1. Troy Smith QB(OSU) IDLE

Troy Smith is going to win the Heisman, I don’t think that their is any doubt about that. Throughout the whole season he has been very consistant through the air and the ground. He has transformed himself into a pure passer that has the ability to escape. Last year he had 16 passing touchdowns, this year, he has tossed 30. Passing yards, he’s only up around 300, but he has really proven that he can stand in the pocket and let plays develop, if you don’t believe me then look at his rushing yards. Last year he had 136 carries for 611 yards and 11 TDs, this year, he only has taken off 62 times for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. 2006 Heisman winner= Troy Smith.

2. Darren McFadden RB(ARK) 21 car 73 yds, 2 rec 27 yds, 1-3 2 yds 1 TD, 1 INT

To be completely honest with all of you, it took me quite a few games to see the light. Well, I have seen the light, and it can do it all. Run, pass and catch, the next LT. McFadden is only a sophomore, so he has at least 1 more year to make another run for the Heisman. I think the votes would be alot closer if it wasn’t for Darren’s inconsistantley this year. He has had 5 games this year that he has failed to rush for 100 yards. That hurt’s his campaign expecially since 3 of the 5 were conference games(including last night against Florida) and in the first game of the season for Arkansas he only racked up 42, and that was against USC.

3. Brady Quinn QB(ND) IDLE

Quinn was on alot of people’s Heisman list at the beginning of the season and he really hasn’t done much to say he shouldn’t still be towards the top. I mean if you look at his numbers, he has had only had 1 bad game. It’s true that that “one bad game” happened in week 3 against Michigan. Quinn ended up throwing 3 interceptions and the Figting Irish lost their first game of the season. So, no Heisman for Quinn, but he will be a very rich man come April. He is projected by many Mock Drafts to be the number 1 pick.

4. Colt Brennan QB(HAW) 37-50 401 yds 2 TDs 2 INTs , 14 car 11 yds 1 TD

Much like Texas Tech, Hawaii just keeps putting out quarterbacks that can just sling it 50+ times and 300+ yards a game. Well Colt Brennan may just be the best. He is just 1 touchdown shy of the record for most touchdowns in a season with 53 which was set by Houston’s David Kingler in 1990 (54). He still has one more chance to break it, in the Hawaii Bowl. I don’t think he’s going to win the Heisman just because he’s not the best player in the Nation. But I do think he’s one of the best quarterbacks and will have his name in the history books when this season is done.

5. Mike Hart RB(MICH) IDLE

Mike Hart has been very good this whole season. He is a big reason why the Wolverines have only 1 loss(and that was to OSU). He just comes out their every Saturday, gets his 120+ and a TD, when your QB can count on his runningback coming out day in and day out and be as consistant as Hart is….well see Henne’s numbers. Henne has been able to play without all the pressure on him alone because Hart was healthy this year. Hart went to another level this year but not he’s not Heisman level…yet. It’s going to be very interesting to see if he stays for his senior year, or he opts out and goes pro. I think he’ll stay, but I guess we’ll see.

So a little recap….

2006 Heisman winner = Troy Smith

2007 Heisman winner = Branden Ore??? (I know, I know….probably McFadden)